Local News Wire

Former TV Weatherman's Sentencing Delayed

A former local tv meteorologist faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced by a Palm Beach County judge.

In October, a jury convicted Rob Lopicola, formerly of WPTV, of lewd and lascivious conduct and computer pornography after he was accused of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

His sentencing was scheduled for Friday, but has been delayed until December 20, though no reason for the delay was given.

Lopicola testified that he had met the teenager on Craigslist but that he wouldn't have pursued the relationship if he had known the teenager was 15-years-old. Lopicola said he never met the boy in person, but the jury felt crude text messages exchanged between them were enough to convict him.

In November, Lopicola accepted a plea deal on a separate count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. He has not been sentenced on the separate charge.